By Garth Calitz Few modern aviation stories are as captivating or as uniquely South African as the tale of Sling Aircraft. Over the last two decades, this Johannesburg-based manufacturer has evolved from a modest startup into a highly esteemed name in the international light aircraft industry. Their journey is marked by bold flights, continuous innovation and a steadfast conviction that high-performance aircraft can be affordable, accessible and elegantly designed. The journe

By Garth Calitz Not many helicopters have made as big a mark on modern aviation as the Bell 206 JetRanger. With its sleek look, dependable performance and amazing versatility, it's been setting the standard in the light-utility helicopter world for over sixty years. Whether it's helping out news crews, keeping an eye on cities, flying VIPs, training pilots or even serving on military front lines, the JetRanger has become one of the most recognisable and trusted aircraft aroun

Airbus’ A400M Atlas has long been known for its ability to operate in places where traditional heavy lifters simply dare not go. Now, the European airlifter has taken another leap forward. A new round of flight trials, this time on soft grass-covered runways, has demonstrated that the A400M can safely land, manoeuvre and take off at higher weights, from even more challenging strips. The result is a dramatic expansion in payload, reach and mission flexibility for operators acr

Daher has taken a significant step into the defence aerospace sector with the successful inaugural flight of its EyePulse Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone demonstration. Conducted at their Tarbes facility in southern France, this test flight marks a major achievement for Daher and underscores France's initiative to rapidly advance its drone capabilities. The flight was conducted under a call from the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l’Armeme

Lockheed Martin's renowned Skunk Works® division has once more advanced the limits of contemporary air combat by successfully showcasing the in-flight control of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) directly from the cockpit of a 5th-generation fighter. This groundbreaking flight, carried out at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, signifies a crucial development in the progression of human-machine collaboration, a capability that is swiftly transforming airpower strategies globally. Du

Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems have taken a significant step in reshaping the Royal Air Force's future fast-jet training process by signing a Letter of Intent to work together on the UK's upcoming Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) program. Focusing on the Boeing–Saab T-7 training system, this collaboration seeks to provide a state-of-the-art, fully integrated solution that will equip RAF pilots for the operational challenges of fourth-, fifth-, and even sixth-generation combat aircra

By Garth Calitz In the history of Cold War aviation, few aircraft capture the daring and uniqueness of Soviet experimental design as clearly as the Bartini Beriev VVA-14. Developed in the 1970s, this amphibious vertical take-off aircraft was a futuristic hybrid intended to function as a seaplane, a flying boat and an ekranoplan, a ground-effect vehicle capable of skimming over the sea at high speeds. It was designed to address a significant threat: the increasing presence of

By Garth Calitz The North American X-15A-2 represents one of the most striking chapters in the history of hypersonic flight. It was a radical, purpose-designed modification of an already groundbreaking rocket plane, testing the limits of materials, aerodynamics and pilot endurance. Unlike a sleek airshow performer, the X-15A-2 functioned as a rugged flying laboratory. It was stripped down, elongated, and reinforced to address one primary question: how does a piloted vehicle p

By Garth Calitz Boeing has taken a major step in assisting in enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities with the induction of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon into a comprehensive upgrade program. At the same time, the RAAF has welcomed its 13th Poseidon aircraft into service, further strengthening Australia’s fleet readiness and operational reach across its extensive maritime domain. This milestone signifies a new ph

The Republic of Korea Air Force has contracted L3Harris Technologies to supply modified Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). L3Harris is collaborating with Bombardier, ELTA Systems from Israel Aerospace Industries, and Korean Air to deliver this advanced capability. The program is valued at over $2.26 billion. These aircraft are designed to fly at higher speeds and for extended durations to enhance the nation's mission readiness. The